Julia Frances George

Julia Frances Gardner George Obituary

Julia Frances Gardner George, beloved spouse, mother and grandmother, respected teacher and community servant, passed away peacefully in the presence of family Friday, September 4, 2026 in Parker, Colorado where she had been residing near her son in recent years. She was 98.

Born September 9, 1927 at the family home south of Hartford, KS, Julia was the daughter of Samuel Ray and Emilie June Milner Gardner. She married

Philip W. George, a fellow Kansas State student from Lebo, KS at her parents’ home June 12, 1949. They enjoyed an abiding partnership of 73 years until his death in 2023.

Julia attended Harmony country school and later Hartford High School, graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1945. She then enrolled at Kansas State University, earning a B.S. in Home Economics in 1949.

Julia and Philip centered their lives around faith, family and their registered and commercial Hereford cow/calf operation east of Lebo. Here they raised four children and were active in the Lebo United Methodist Church, Blue Ribbon 4-H Club and Key West Grange.

After their children were of school age, Julia furthered her education at Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, earning her teaching degree in 1968. Her teaching career spanned 23 years, beginning with Home Economics and

Biology at Reading High School and continuing at Hartford High School with Home Economics. Julia poured heart and soul into her students. She had the capability of drawing out the unique abilities of each individual and strove to prepare them with practical skills and knowledge to face every day life

experiences.

A lifetime learner, Julia eventually obtained a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Emporia State University in 1985. While earning her counseling degree, she discovered there was a great need in the elementary schools. So, after completing her responsibilities at Hartford High School

each day, though not hired to do so, she traveled to Neosha Rapids to provide counseling services to the young students there.

In retirement, Julia relished the opportunity to be more present for her husband, family and community. She enjoyed gardening, visiting and hosting her children and grandchildren and was active in United Methodist Women, serving at both the local and district level.

An accomplished pianist her entire life, Julia later took lessons to develop her organ abilities and shared her talents for both piano and organ at the Olivet and Lebo United Methodist Churches. Even in her last years, her piano talents shown through and provided joy to those around her.

Julia was a steadfast partner with her husband in their ranching operation.

They devoted themselves to raising quality cattle and being good stewards of

the native prairie pastureland entrusted to them, transitioning the operation to their children in recent years.

Julia was an example of obedience to God and service to others. She had a fiercely independent and determined spirit yet was humble and deeply compassionate. Ever encouraging and never judgmental, she gave

unconditional love to all she encountered, maintaining these qualities even in her last years with dementia. Throughout her life she was model of hard work, good character and sound guidance with a solid foundation of faith. She gave control of her life over to God, the ultimate provider.

Left to cherish her memory are sons Jay and Philip D. (Lynna) George, Lebo; Vern (Eileen) George, Overland Park, KS, and daughter, Frances (Christopher) Forbes, Bradford, PA; grandchildren Emilie (Colin) Clarke, Margaret George Gurley, Tyler (Jessica) George, Russell (Maya) George, Jackson George (Clare), Julia George, Madeleine (Joseph) Forbes Kimerle, Tucker George, Mitchell (Ashley) Forbes, and Truman Forbes; great-grandchildren Samantha and Harper Gurley, Barrett, Declan and Graham Clarke, and Smith Kimerle; as well as brother-in-law Gordon Cunningham, Goshen, IN and numerous nieces and nephews.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband and parents; sister, Annie

Cunningham and nephew Eldon Cunningham; brother and sister-in-law,

Daniel and Virginia Gardner; as well as brother-in-law Jackson (Margie Calvert) George and their daughters, Patricia Koons and Cynthia Simmons; brother-in-law Douglas (Roselyn Skonberg) George; and sister-in-law Eleanor (Robert

Pasley) George.

Family and friends will be received from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026 at the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, Lebo. A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Lebo United Methodist Church with Pastor Shane Britt and Pastor George Pasley officiating. Burial will follow at Lincoln Cemetery, Lebo. All attendees are invited to share

memories and renew acquaintances with a meal afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Lebo United Methodist Women of Faith, 201 W. 4th St., Lebo, KS 66856 or a charity of the donor’s choosing. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of

Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, Lebo.